Fall River board approves several handicap parking requests, denies one application and rescinds four spots

The Fall River City Traffic and Parking board approved several requests for handicap parking, denied another application because the applicant had off-street parking available, and approved a motion to rescind four existing handicap parking spots.

Board members repeatedly told applicants that city eligibility rules disqualify locations that already have off-street parking available. The board denied one request after staff determined the property had off-street parking available and explained the city’s policy: if off-street parking exists, a curbside handicap space is typically not granted. “If you have off street parking available to you, it's also a disqualifier,” the meeting chair said when explaining the policy to an applicant who sought a curbside space next to a narrow garage.

The meeting record shows multiple approvals for handicap signage at addresses including 49 Cambridge and others; staff told applicants the signs would be installed in about 12 weeks. For the application discussed at length (the household with a very tight garage), the board voted to deny the request; the motion to deny was seconded by Charlie and recorded with no opposition.

At the end of the meeting the board voted to rescind handicap parking spaces at Irving Street, East Main Street, Florence Street and Eastern Avenue; the motion was seconded by John and recorded with no opposition.

Why it matters: Handicap curbside spaces directly affect mobility for residents with disabilities. The board cited city guidelines about off-street parking and placard possession when reviewing eligibility and instructed staff to follow those rules when processing petitions.

The board did not amend city policy during the meeting; staff said applicants may petition again if circumstances change (for example, if off-street parking becomes unavailable or the applicant secures an individual placard).